Science activities for the busy teacher.
This blog will be participating in the A to Z challenge for April 2016. Posts are abbreviated for visitors. Pertinent links for more in-depth information are provided. Warning to non-teachers, comments will get very honest answers concerning anything unsafe to do in a classroom. Teachers would not take it personal. Neither should you. Safety is first.

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Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Weather and Climate

Weather is what is happening right now. It is the day to day temperature, rainfall, humidity and air pressure we experience. Just because we have a hot day in January or a cold day in July, we are not experiencing a climate shift. Because climate is what occurs over a long period of time like 100 years.

Like many discoveries, climate change was discovered by accident. A scientist was monitoring carbon dioxide levels off a westernmost Hawaiian Island that was not as affected by pollution and other carbon dioxide disruptions caused by man. What was noted was every year, the carbon dioxide level increased.

There are several mechanism that affect climate. One of which is carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide has the power to trap heat from the sun. So a slight increase of Carbon dioxide will cause the atmosphere to heat up. It is true that the tilt of the Earth is wobbling us to a mini ice age. However, it is not going to happen fast enough to counteract Climate change.

A rise of 2 degrees does not affect the daily weather. It does affect the plants and animals that live in an area. With development, it is not as easy for animals to migrate to a more suitable climate. The habitat might not exist. The greatest factor in extinction is loss of habitat. Animals and plants did become extinct in the last ice age.

At one time dolphins were drowned in tuna nets. It is a problem that was known but not legislated in countries or globally. Tuna companies voluntarily instituted the use of dolphin safe tuna nets. People weren't buying or eating tuna. It is going to take the resolve of the average person to affect climate control which is not going to be everyone. But it doesn't take everyone.

Safety Always

These activities are chosen and designed to be safe. The nature of an accident is it is not planned. Water is a very safe substance. Spill water on the floor, someone can slip and fall. The greatest safety rule is to Think before you Do.

I taught science for over 30 years. I had a few accidents in the classroom. Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt. Purchasing a set of safety glasses at the dollar store is a good investment. I know parents, schools, etc shouldn't ask you to buy such. Life is all too real. If someone got hurt, you would have immense guilt.

Know your audience. There is a balance between a math teacher too afraid to let a group of students use a compass because it has a sharp point and the free for all approach some teachers use.

I've got a safety contract that I used in the classroom. Feel free to use it. The shorter and clearer the rule, the more compliance you will get. If you have that child or parent that you have to think like a Philadelphia lawyer around, realize it is an opportunity to deliver your instruction more clearly and safely.

I will post any warnings or cautions that I can think when making the posts. However, I cannot be responsible for what happens in your classroom or home. Use any of these activities at your own risk.